LNP team is united: John-Paul Langbroek

by ojacques

Owen Jacques
News Editor

Owen Jacques is an award-winning investigative journalist from Mackay, now based on the Sunshine Coast as APN Australian Regional Media’s Online News Editor. He has a strong background reporting on politics, business and breaking news. Owen has also specialised in resources reporting, which included a successful campaign to fight 100% fly-in, fly-out mining in rural Queensland towns.

LIBERAL National Party ministers have been forced to wade through a media pack as they arrived at the Executive Building in Brisbane this morning after Condamine MP Ray Hopper spectacularly defected on the weekend.

Mr Hopper, whose area includes parts of Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, announced he would leave the LNP for Katter's Australian Party.

He claimed at least four others from the LNP were considering following suit.

Mines and Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps told reporters he was wrong to have considered Mr Hopper a man of integrity.

Mr Cripps represents the seat of Hinchinbrook in North Queensland.

"We are very focused on the agenda of the government and I totally support the Premier and the government," Mr Cripps said.

When asked if he felt others would follow Mr Hopper's defection he said it was "total speculation".

"I think he is trying to make himself feel better after a very, very unusual and poorly considered decision," he said.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said he too had no plans to defect from the LNP.

He said he was confident the LNP team was united.

The LNP will have a cabinet meeting followed by a party room meeting this afternoon.

"I'm sure there will be some views expressed and the important thing is to come out of there united," Mr Langbroek said.